Bely Luu
Bely Luu currently serves as the Associate Director of School Development at Washington State Charter Schools Association, providing equity-driven fundraising coaching and trainings to charter public school leaders and boards while advancing educational justice for marginalized students. She has over a decade of experience in higher education, nonprofit organizations, and healthcare philanthropy in the Greater Seattle area working in areas of fundraising, events, and diversity, equity & inclusion. She has managed over 200 events in her career from fundraising galas to stewardship events to graduations.
Bely holds a B.A. in Social Work from the University of Washington and is a graduate of the inaugural cohort of the WOC Radiant Leadership Institute. She currently serves on the WOC Global Giving Collective steering committee to redefine and amplify philanthropy for women of color. She also serves on the board of Chinese Information and Service Center, a nonprofit that supports immigrants and their families by creating opportunities for them to succeed while honoring their heritage.
Bely is a first-generation Chinese American from Vietnam. In her free time, she enjoys baking with her daughter, eating delicious food from the Global Majority, and traveling with her family.
In Her Own Words
What is your favorite quote?
Photo courtesy of American Revolutionary
“You cannot change any society unless you take responsibility for it, unless you see yourself belonging to it and responsible for changing it.” – Grace Lee Boggs
Who is your favorite woman fundraiser or philanthropist of color?
My mom. She is the most generous person I know. She uses her talent of design to bring joy to others, willingly gives her time to care for my aging grandparents and young child, and generously gives to family and friends. She has redefined what a philanthropist looks like and inspires me to give my time, talent, and treasures to causes I’m passionate about.
What inspired you to use your social work and event management skills to pursue a career in fundraising and philanthropy in the educational field?
My social work education helped me understand and name inequities in our oppressive systems, including the educational system. It inspired me to work towards creating more equitable and optimal conditions where systemically underserved students can thrive in school and life.
My first development experience was planning a gala at the organization where I did direct service work. The relationships I built with people in the community allowed me to tell ethical and authentic stories that brought donors closer to the mission. I believe fundraising is one way I can reclaim power for my community and redirect resources to communities as they reimagine solutions that work best for them.
I hope that I can be a better version of myself each day and play a role in transforming systems that will produce more equitable outcomes for those at the margins.
Where do you want to be in 3 years?
Life is not a linear path. I’m learning to let go of the expectation that work is the only thing that defines me. I’m working on self-compassion and valuing my full self and multiple identities of being a mom, wife, daughter, granddaughter, niece, friend, philanthropist, and more.
I hope that I can be a better version of myself each day and play a role in transforming systems that will produce more equitable outcomes for those at the margins. As Maya Angelou would say “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.”
Do you have any advice for other women of color fundraisers— whether they are in Canada, the United States, or the international WOC community at large?
1) Support and uplift other women of color and invite them to the table. There is more than enough room for all of us.
2) Give yourself permission to rest. As Tricia Hersey from the Nap Ministry says, “Rest is a form of resistance because it disrupts and pushes back against capitalism and white supremacy,” and “rest is our path to liberation.” We must rest in order to reimagine what is possible for our collective future.
3) Build your support group and wellness team. Who are the people in your personal and professional circles that you can go to for support? Who are in your wellness team (doctors, therapists, massage therapists, counselors, acupuncturists, etc.) that will support your mental and physical health? Remember to fill your cup first and allow the world to benefit from the overflow.
